After missing the team’s campaign in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, Vince Maglinao is eager to make a splash for La Salle-EcoOil in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Maglinao, along with fellow senior Nathaniel Del Pilar, missed the Green Spikers’ run in the collegiate tournament organized by Sports Vision.
La Salle was originally readying to participate in a U-23 tournament a few months ago to help its young players gain experience ahead of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
However, the tournament was eventually canceled, prompting the coaching staff to stick with the same lineup for the V-League, excluding Maglinao and Del Pilar.
“Siguro mas finocus ni coach ‘yung mga younger ones nung time nung V-League, kasi supposedly dapat under-23 ‘yung league na sasalihan. Kaso na-cancel, so ayun nag V-League and nag-stick na lang sa lineup na ‘yun,” said Maglinao.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The outside spiker from Lipa, Batangas had his best game yet in the Invitationals, backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company, on Sunday night, leading the Green Oilers to a 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 win over PGJC-Navy.
Maglinao scored 21 points and registered 14 excellent digs as La Salle remained unbeaten after four games, climbing to second place in the standings.
“I’m happy, of course. More than ‘yung pagiging player of the game, syempre nanalo kami. Looking forward pa rin sa mga learnings na makukuha namin all throughout the Spikers’ Turf,” he said.
“Syempre happy na kasama ko ulit sila. Komportable ako sa kanila. Looking forward lang talaga ako na maglaro,” he added.
Now back in the lineup, Maglinao is aiming for a semifinal berth for La Salle, who is coming off a silver-medal finish in the V-League.
“Syempre gusto namin maka-podium finish. Syempre una ‘yung Final Four, malaking morale-booster ‘yun sa’min kasi ‘yung mga kalaban namin dito mga club teams, mas may experience sa’min. Magiging morale-booster ‘yun sa’min.”
